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Exclusive Artist Interview with Ali Critelli

We had the good fortune of catching up with Singer/Songwriter Ali Critelli before one her performances this past week, where she took a moment to tell us more about herself, her music, and her upcoming EP.

Ali Critelli, with her soulful timbre, and wide vocal range, has become one of the most prominent vocalists in the Western New York music scene. As such, she can be heard on numerous local radio and television work, and even wound up heading to L.A. for season II of The Voice.

Ali is an incredibly talented artist who takes pride in her music; pouring her heart, soul, and personal experiences into each song she writes.

We can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2018!

 

Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself

I’m a singer/songwriter from Buffalo, originally from Niagara Falls, New York. I started professionally singing, like with bands and stuff when I was I think 16 with my dad’s bands, and then started my own band around 21. Just been kind of doing the band thing. I didn’t really start songwriting until maybe six years ago, so when I started writing songs, that’s when I decided I wanted to be a songwriter, recording artist, that whole thing.

How Would You Describe Your Sound to Potential Fans?

I would say pop/R&B is kind of the cookie cutter definition of it, but I always incorporate a little funk, a little rock; maybe like new R&B, contemporary R&B. A lot of like electronic stuff mixed in with live instruments, like acoustic guitar.

Who are Some of Your Biggest Influences in Music?

 I think vocally definitely Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera, but I wouldn’t say musically I drew from them because I don’t think my music sounds like them. I don’t really know who I would compare myself to musically, but I would say those two singers definitely pop, big pop vocals, powerhouses, definitely them.

Could You Tell Us More About Your Work as a Dog Obedience Trainer?

Yeah, so I started volunteering at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter about maybe 2012 and there I met one of the trainers, so I ended up being her apprentice for two years without pay, kind of learning from her, assisting her classes and stuff, and then there was a job opening at the facility that I work at now so they knew me but I also had to do an interview and all that stuff, so that’s how I got started volunteering, and then it turned into a job position.

Any Upcoming Projects We Should be Excited for?

I have an EP getting released at the end of this Summer, it’s called Feels. I’m going to be actually releasing a little teaser in the next couple of weeks on my social medias, so it’s my first EP, all original music, pop/R&B kind of vibe, and I’m excited about it. This is like my first real work as a songwriter. My debut EP.

Any Advice for Fans Trying to Make it in Music?

Yeah, I mean, I would say if you want to pursue music, it’s already a passion, and you should only do it if you love it because it’s going to be hard sometimes and you’re going to hear a lot of nos in the business and you just have to be confident in what you do, confident in your passion, and stay true to yourself and your sound, and know what you want before you go out there because it can be a little scary and a little daunting. I would just say if you love it, go for it, and yeah.

 

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alicritellimusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGqDzBvO-LCWi33jPpcBaXg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliCritelli

Conquer Page: http://www.getconquer.com/alicritelli

Conquer Entertainment
Where #Music Meets #Lifestyle
Be sure to follow us on social media: @ConquerEnt

 

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Snoop’s Birthday Bash – Official Recap

 

Baltimore, MD – May 17, 2018 – We here at Conquer were thrilled to be a part of Love & Hip-Hop reality star Snoop’s Official Birthday Bash & Sneaker Release; bringing some of our best talent to put on the Pre-Show and Red Carpet Concert.  In association with Slimetime Entertainment, ScholarVMG, and official liquor sponsor Tart Vodka.

 

The event was a huge success, with plenty of stars and big names in attendace at the newly renovated Club Sizzle in Baltimore, MD. Some familiar faces to hit the red carpet including

 

some of Conquer’s most talented came out to put on a great show including; Young Swiper & Freddy Fresh, Cheazy Mack, Tagem, and J30 and  Mala Reignz.

 

Conquer Entertainment

Where #Music meets #Lifestyle

Follow us on social media @ConquerEnt

#ConquerLife

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Living Legend – Willie Nelson

Another Platinum Artist to join the Conquer Platform, legendary singer-songwriter Willie Nelson is now available here at getconquer.com!

Willie is the one behind some of the biggest country hits out there, including “Crazy” and “On the Road Again”. Willie started his career as a songwriter, but rose to the forefront of the stage in the 1960’s when he helped contribute to the “Outlaw Country” sub-genre, which was basically a war on Nashville conservatism.

Willie has lived a long, award winning career, becoming one of the most influential singer songwriters of all time. He has written countless popular country songs, which have been covered by artists all across the board, for half a century. Now at the age of 84, Willie Nelson continues to record, perform, and write new songs; as well as supporting various charities and political causes.

My doctor tells me I should start slowing it down – but there are more old drunks than there are old doctors so let’s all have another round.

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The Young Sheriff – Faron Young

Happy to announce country legend, Faron Young, as the latest Platinum Artist now available at getconquer.com!

A huge player in the world of Nashville country music, Honky Tonk singer Faron Young was not an idle man by any means. A musician, a businessman, an actor, and a soldier; he took his love for music and payed it back ten fold.

Young really started seeing the limelight when he joined as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, was signed by Capitol Records, and went on to join the army as a member of the Entertainments Unit, boosting morale as he sang to the troops during the Korean War. It wasn’t long before Young started coming out with hit after hit, maintaining his streak clear into the 1970’s;  his first number one single being “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young”.

Young also began acting in many western themed films, his most notable role being in “Hidden Gun” where he obtained the lasting nickname “The Young Sheriff”.

A poster of the 1955 film Hidden Guns

Throughout his life, Faron invested a great deal in the city of Nashville. Founding Music City News, running a booking agency, funding book and music publishers, real estate, race tracks; but despite all of his business ventures Faron continued to perform the music that he loved. And you can find that music right here on GetConquer.com

Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young (And Leave A Beautiful Memory)

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Alternative Punk Indie Band Miracle Dolls

Alternative Punk Indie Artist: Miracle Dolls

Miracle Dolls is an Alternative / Punk / Indie band from Southern California. The band is a trio fronted by twin sisters Dani and Dezy. The name “Miracle Dolls” came from an aspiration their mother had.

Miracle Dolls have been featured on Warped Tour, as well as Fuse T.V., and Recording Magazine to name a few. Their latest record “Kiss Me Auras” was produced by John Avila of Oingo Boingo. Miracles Dolls plays various festivals throughout the U.S., so check out their website for show updates.

“THIEVES AND GUNS” was produced by Reel Big Fish’s producer John Avila, And Mike Hererra of MXPX. Their music is a mix of melodies that dance back and forth between the Bass and Guitar, heart racing rhythms, and the natural balance of the twins shared vocals.

Website: www.miracledolls.com
GetConquer Site www.getconquer.com/miracledolls/

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“The Bad Guy with the Big Heart” – Waylon Jennings

ATLANTA, GA – February 17: Country singer Waylon Jennings performs at Alex Cooley’s Capri Ballroom on February 17, 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tom Hill/WireImage)

Known as a sort of musical rebel, Waylon Jennings is credited with popularizing the gritty, rock-influenced sound of outlaw country music. At every turn he challenged the status quo of country music, turning down and losing record labels due to his unwillingness to conform. This and his party heavy lifestyle led him to be labeled as an “outlaw” in the world of country. Now this outlaw’s music is here to stay, as an official Platinum Artist here on getconquer.com!

Jennings’ Outlaw style takes on a tough, bass heavy sound; breaking away from the tighter production of traditional country music for something more raw and edgy, such as his first number one hit “This Time”.

Jennings brought something all his own to the table, and we can definitely respect that steadfast desire to make music his way, regardless of what was expected or popular at the time. People likened him to a villain, but that black hat represents a hero for the rebellious, and the innovative.

Don’t ever try and be like anybody else and don’t be afraid to take risks.

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Conquer Entertainment’s Best of the Booth

GetConquer Best of the Booth Talent Showcase

There has been a lot of buzz over the upcoming Best of the Booth Talent Showcase being held at the 2018 World Conference, Feb. 1 through Feb. 3, at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Conquer Entertainment is hosting this event and the entries just keep coming in. Do you have what it takes to win?

Here is a partial list of the nominees and artists that have submitted their music.

Tishmone’

 

Andrea Miller

Darek Rhodes

 

Steven carrasquillo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgTjW_8pYSY

Erick Ruiz

 

Kiirstin Marilyn

 

Sydney Ohl

Joe Martino

 

Katryna Alexis

 

Cassidy Kinsman

 

Jaelyn jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP3lZtt9h2M

 

Alexandria Rosa

 

David Barkie

 

Connor Ragan

 

The Conquer team will pick their favorite artists this week, who will then be provided a free pass to the convention.

The hand picked artists will then be invited to perform at the Conquer Booth during the Talent Showcase. Judges will then vote on their favorite booth performance, and the winner will receive a free year membership on the GetConquer platform as an official Conquer Artist!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the MAWC2018 held in Miami!

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Scary Songs – Leave the Lights On!

BOO!

Now that you’re sufficiently on edge, lets talk scary music! So when people think music, “scary” isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind, right? Well the magical thing about music is that it is capable of invoking any kind of emotion. In horror movies a soundtrack is particularly important to the overall impact of what’s happening on screen. The music helps to create atmosphere which allows for a deeper emotional response

Example you say?

Take this video by YouTuber and filmaker, Bobby Burns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eD2UpdhbwA

 

Add a Gothic filter, some chilling music (yes that was a pun); and Voilà! Disney’s hit film “Frozen” makes your hair stand on end, and your blood run cold. (Okay I’ll stop)

I know you’re interested right? So in honor of the Halloween season, lets take a look at some of the ‘scariest’ music out there!

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – “Song of Joy” 1996

Contrary to it’s lighthearted title, Nick Cave’s “Song of Joy” is a dark and eerie piece from his album “Murder Ballads”..Equally dark and eerie. It chronicles a mysterious man who, on a cold winter night, chooses a house at random to seek shelter. He tells the story of a murderer, and the gruesome crimes in which he committed. The lyrics are beautifully poetic, but if I were the dude listening to his story. . . I probably wouldn’t let him in.

Radiohead – “Climbing Up the Walls” 1997

When you think Radiohead, you think of music that is utterly haunting. Probably best known for their song Creep, Radiohead has remained relevant through the years with music that is so masterful in form and execution, it still can’t be topped. One song that stands out in particular in my quest for ‘scary’ is “Climbing Up the Walls” from their album “OK COMPUTER”. A song that is presented from the point of view of . . . well a murderous psychopath. The lyrics are so intense that it feels as though you’re looking directly into the mind of someone truly disturbed.

The Beatles – “Revolution 9” 1968

Okay so this one is just weird and creepy, not simply because of the song itself, but because of its place in history. This experimental sound collage by The Beatles apparently inspired cult leader Charles Manson to commit the atrocities he did, due to some strange interpretation he had of the piece.

Randy Newman – “In Germany Before the War” 1977

Randy Newman is probably best known for his work in various Pixar films; (“Toy Story”, “A Bugs Life”, “Monsters Inc”, Etc.) Before that however, Newman wrote some pretty harrowing pieces. I chose to add “In Germany Before the War” because of how genuinely powerful, and very real, the emotions that are evoked from this song seem to be. On the surface, this song is about the “Düsseldorf Ripper”, a serial killer of children who was at large in 1931. Going even deeper, it is a powerful metaphor for a country about to enter a period more horrific than any form of media could possibly conjure. The melody of this song is absolutely chilling, and I can’t listen to it without getting some serious goosebumps.

Joseph Bishara – “Insidious” 2011

Okay I hope you didn’t listen to that with headphones in. . . Oh wait – Yes I do! I’m insidious like that. (Sorry, I said I’d stop…I lied.)

Insidious, though receiving mixed reviews, it was positively received overall due to its fresh take on a been there done that genre. No matter how you felt about the movie, you can’t deny that the soundtrack was absolutely terrifying. Most of the score was actually improvised, with a sort of atonal screeching of the violins to put you on edge, and sudden bangs on the keys of a piano to really make your heart pounce.  Composer, Joseph Bishara, did an amazing job at creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. (Fun fact: Bishara also plays the red faced demon in the film.)

Giuseppe Tartini – “Devil’s Trill Sonata” 1713 – 1740 (Exact date unknown)

So I felt I needed to add a little classical to the compilation. This masterpiece is by the Italian Baroque Composer, Tartini; a violinist known for his incredible technique. There is so much mystique to this song and its creation that it definitely gets a place on the list. The legend goes that Tartini was visited by the Devil in his dreams, in which he made a contract with the entity, that it would be at his service on all occasions. In order to see what kind of musician he was, Tartini handed the Devil his violin. What followed was a sonata so absolutely beautiful that it left Tartini breathless. A song that surpassed anything he had ever heard or could possibly imagine. When he awoke he grabbed his fiddle and desperately attempted to recreate the piece he had heard in his dreams. The result was his greatest work, the “Devil’s Trill Sonata”. However, Tartini found his piece to be so inferior to the song in his dreams, that he was tempted to destroy his fiddle and leave the world of music forever. Over the years, the sonata and its composer have been stooped in mystery, and only a violinist of virtuosic skill could possibly play a piece so ‘devilishly’ difficult. Take a listen (I mean REALLY listen), and its supernatural origins will seem very real.

Cover by Hit House (Original by Duran Duran) – “Ordinary World” 2017

Okay I got a little carried away on the last dude, so here is a cool one. “Ordinary World” is a song by Duran Duran released in 1993, Essentially it’s about dealing with the loss of someone you love, and learning how to cope and move on with life. Recently it was used as the theme song for the Horror Survival game “The Evil Within 2“, where it has been reworked by Hit House to create a more eerie and menacing twist to the song. In the context of the game, the words become very literal, as the protagonist must overcome the ghosts of his past, traverse a nightmarish world to find his daughter, and return to the peaceful life he once knew. “And as I try to make my way / To the ordinary world / I will learn to survive”.

 

This list could go on and on, but I think I’m gonna end it here. . . Cause I’m writing this at 3 in the morning, It’s storming outside, and I’m pretty sure I heard something in the other room.

Got some songs you find scary? Let us know in the comments!

Got some topics you’d like to see us tackle? Let us know in the comments!

I guess what I’m trying to say is. . .LET’S HEAR YOUR COMMENTS PEOPLE!

 

Conquer Entertainment

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RELIEF FOR PUERTO RICO: FAT JOE

Relief For Puerto Rico: FAT JOE

Puerto Rico is the latest victim in this string of Hurricane’s that have been causing so much destruction. Last month they were hit by a brutal category 5 storm, knocking out essential needs. Clean water is in short supply, food serves are lacking, and people have been left with no heat or electricity. Returning to a sense of normalcy after the hurricane has proven very difficult for the island, and the amount of official government aid they have received in the wake of the storm just hasn’t been enough.

Fortunately there are amazing people out there who are doing everything they can to help the people of Puerto Rico. Alongside JAYZ and TIDAL, Conquer Hip Hop Artist Fat Joe has been doing his part to help revitalize our this fellow US territory. 2 million pounds worth of supplies and goods have been collected from the city of New York for the people of Puerto Rico.

“As U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico has paid their part. I have two little cousins that’s in the army right now, willing to give their life for this country. And the fact that it took so long to get any help out there, that’s what I mean. So we had to mobilize and power ourselves to collect canned foods and waters and women’s hygiene and toothpastes to give back to our own community, and that we did.” – Fat Joe

Fat Joe also announced the TIDAL X concert set for Oct. 17th, where he will take the stage with JAY Z, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and many more; with all proceeds going to disaster relief and recovery. In the aftermath of these hurricanes we need to remember to show our support and love for the people of Puerto Rico. They are currently dealing with near apocalyptic conditions, and in many places electricity may not return for at least a half a year. But if we band together, and give them the help they need, they can make it through these tough times.

Check out Fat Joe’s Conquer profile HERE!

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Kiirstin Marilyn – Pop Music With a Message

Kiirstin Image

Kiirstin Image

Pop Artist: Kiirstin Marilyn

Website: www.kiirstinmarilyn.com

GetConquer Page: www.getconquer.com/kiirstinmarilyn/

 

Musical Theater, to Rock, to Pop, to solo indie artist Kiirstin Marilyn! Kiirstin started pursuing music at a young age, and has journeyed through various paths of the musician life where many artists only take one; and every path has led to her current pursuit as a solo artist, encompassing pieces of each into her music.

Check out our exclusive interview to learn more about what makes Kiirstin – Kiirstin.

For in depth artist interview, head to http://www.conquerentertainment.com/conquer-artist-interview-kiirstin-marilyn/